Many homeowners with smaller living rooms would do anything to make their living space just a tiny bit bigger – but large living rooms have a few hurdles of their own when it comes to interior design. And whether you have high ceilings, extra space that needs filling or just want some tips on how to get started, we’ve tried to accommodate all of this with our latest blog post.
1. Fill Empty Space
Figuring out what to do with empty space in the living room is one of the most common problems we get asked about in store. And it’s a valid issue. However, we’d recommend thinking about what you want to use the space for. Large rooms are usually for entertaining guests but we often overlook the fact we’re not constantly hosting gatherings – which is why it may be a good idea to section out a space for more intimate seating.
Try tucking a small table against the wall with two elegant occasional chairs. You can use the space for meals, reading, chatting and anything else that doesn’t require a wide expanse of living room.
2. The Importance of Colour
Too much colour can be detrimental to both smaller and larger living rooms. At the end of the day, too many colours can overwhelm our eyes, but you can also use different shades to create a more cohesive look throughout the room. Try choosing a main colour and two accents to use throughout the room – you can then look for different textures in the form of throws, patterned cushions and other accessories.
Using patterns and different textures can add scope and interest to larger rooms – and most importantly, won’t leave the space looking bare. Warm neutrals such as grey can provide a good starting point; you can then use bolder, lighter colours to create a cosier setting when using these types of shades.
3. Think About Layout
Many interior designers tackle larger settings by creating different zones throughout the room: A conversation area with sofas and chairs, a small nook for reading, dining and living areas; these “zones” prevent extra space from becoming a problem as you’re essentially sectioning the larger space into smaller “rooms”.
If you’re going to attempt this then it’s important to section off the room into designated spaces. L-shaped sofas or console tables at the back of standard sofas can help you to do this. More creative ways include using open shelving and area rugs to designate your zones.
4. High Ceilings
Living rooms with high ceilings present a problem for some homeowners. Unfortunately these tall spaces can dwarf standard sizes of furniture, creating an empty top space that impacts the room. However, there are two great ways of dealing with the issue (one of which we’ve highlighted in tip number five). Try introducing tall plants to the corners of the room – these additions take up little floor space and will help to improve the scale of your room by adding height and drawing the eye upwards.
5. Two-Tone Walls
Another way to deal with high ceilings is by tricking the eye into thinking the ceiling is lower than it is. Painting the wall some of the way up creates a cosier appearance that gives your furniture more context. This simple trick works wonders when you want to detract from the high ceiling rather than accentuate it.
6. Corner Sofas
Corner sofas can work in two way; you can either use them to make the most of the corners in your living room, or you can use them to section off one area from another – for example, if you combine your living and dining areas then L-shaped sofas can help to section one off from the other.
While not for everyone, modular groups can help you to design your own corner sofa, which can sometimes be the difference between liking and loving your living room.
7. Anchoring Your Living Room
Large living rooms can sometimes feel empty if the sofas and chairs are too far apart – however, it doesn’t always make sense to bring these items closer together. Try featuring a large coffee table or ottoman in the middle of your seating arrangement. This will help to anchor the room while closing that gap at the same time.
Including one of these pieces will also provide the opportunity to accessorise. Flowers, candles and ornaments can all work together to give a layered effect that will help to accent your furniture.
8. Tackling Bare Wall Space
One of the things that can leave a larger living room looking sparse is the lack of substance and too much wall space. However, the great thing about tackling empty wall space is that it’s obvious to identify and find a solution.
We recommend creating a gallery wall or introducing pictures that reflect your personality. By doing this you’ll kill two birds with one stone; you create a more personal touch while also getting rid of cold, dead wall space.
9. Conversational Settings
If you’ve already played around with the layout but something’s not quite right: go back to basics. The main principal of a living room, whether it’s large or small, is to be suitable for modern living and bringing people together. Check out your seating arrangement and see if it aids or hinders conversation.
Sometimes seating is too far apart for people to comfortably have a conversation. Try moving your sofas away from the walls and closer together to create a more intimate setting. You can also try adding an accent chair or two to reduce the amount of wasted space.
10. Scale
We’ve addressed what to do if you have high ceilings but the overall scale of a room can sometimes feature low ceilings with a longer layout. The advice here would be to choose your furniture accordingly. If you have a low ceiling then keep the furnishings low to create the illusion of height.
However, low furniture where you have high ceilings can easily get lost in all the space.
11. Decorating If You Have A Fireplace
It’s quite common to have a fireplace in your home – especially if it’s a large, listed property. However, modern homes are also starting to introduce contemporary fireplaces and need to furnish accordingly. Try tucking a pair of armchairs or accent chairs in front of the fireplace – this cosy and intimate setting is ideal for reading and getting away from the cold and harsh weather of the winter months.
So, there you have it! Our list of 11 tips to help you make the most of your large living room’s interior design. Have any other tips? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
